Five pints of ice cream eaten every day for 49 years. A man actually accomplished that, according to Robert Ripley. A more astounding oddity, however, is that side by side live believers and unbelievers. Think of it. Some enjoying personal fellowship with God, while others are doubting God’s very existence. Some in vital prayer. Others… Read More ›
Once I got to know close up the U.S. champion mile runner. I watched how he walked and moved about. But far more important is: How do we run the race of life? How are we living day by day? Focused on what? What really occupies our attention? Here is what God’s Word teaches us… Read More ›
Hearing the lifeguard cough and choke brings little comfort to a drowning man. In many quarters today the emphasis is on identifying with the friend in need-to sit where he sits. Weaknesses are bared and shared — often with little profit, or even with harm resulting. Honesty is laudable, but what is most needed today… Read More ›
Finally, it becomes clear to those who look for basic steps in the Christian life. Where is God leading us? Are there not some commonalities in what God gradually shows from His Word to hungry, searching believers? To the best of my understanding of God’s pattern for Christian growth and spiritual development, I have identified five… Read More ›
Dear Fellow Believers, Yesterday a young fellow came to see me for a very singular purpose: “I want to be whole-hearted for the Lord,” said he. He had found half-way living and a timid witness were all in vain. Our God is a God of the whole-hearted. Either turn hot or cold, He asks. Some… Read More ›
The ultimate and proud self-centeredness is seen when sinful humans usurp God’s name and position to themselves. Remember how God revealed His true identity to Israel, introducing himself as the “I AM.” Understanding this helps us see why God’s wrath blazes when humans act as if they, not God, are the center of things. See… Read More ›
Learning how to make difficult decisions is one of life’s great challenges. Decisions involving jobs, marriage, school, where to live, personal crises etc. surely require definite direction from God. There is much vagueness as to how that leading is obtained. “God led me to do this; He spoke to me,” some are heard saying…. Read More ›
Verse 1 — The name and honor of God are at stake in the way we, his children, get through distress. A study of the first two chapters of Job brings this out. At first, God’s hedge (see Job 1:8-11) protected Job’s family and possessions, then his own physical and emotional self, and finally his… Read More ›
Repentance must be distinguished from remorse. There is danger in being much impressed with sin’s murky side and too little impressed with sin’s offense to the Holy God. Looking at the cross shows both the magnitude of God’s love and how great is our sins offense to God’s Holy Law. Believers must get beyond the stench… Read More ›
Three major areas of need in the modern church should come up for fresh scrutiny in our day. These areas tend to inbreed and produce multiplied problems. First there is discipling. Second, church structure. Third, counseling. In Acts 14 we see the apostle Paul giving structure his attention. Elders were appointed at once. Without the… Read More ›